Originally Posted by
eeyore
What I think is funny is the people who say that even in the original MUD days the characters were called "toons." How is that? To me, a "toon," is pretty much a cartoon, which is animated. How is a MUD, which was basically a text game (back in the day), animated? Also, a "toon" is some silly, nonsensical thing. I would say the closest I came to that was because I named a character "Mister Poopypants." Yes, it's a silly, stupid name. Maybe that makes it a toon in many people's eyes. That's okay, considering the game. You'll not find me using the term "toon." I just said "Mister Poopypants" might be called a "toon" just because of his name and it was a silly name, and because of the game, and such things. I had a character, yes "CHARACTER" on a MUD named "Streetpizza." It was a silly name, but I played him much more seriously. I just named him that because I liked the word. I thought it would make for a good name that would add some humor to the game. I actually got something of a laugh out of it. I liked it (even if it was just slightly morbid). Apparently other characters liked it too. I got kind of popular. In fact, many people were disappointed that I changed my name. The only reason I changed it was because I was indecisive, and I thought I would try a different, still somewhat humorous name. I ended up being disappointed that I changed it. I would have paid again to change it back (in-game gold coins btw), but they only allowed one name change. I had to pay a lot to change it the first time. Oh well. I learned my lesson there. Now I know better. Whatever name I choose, I know I will keep it, even if the opportunity were there for me to change it. I have changed (as a person) a good bit since then. After all, it was a long time ago. I have kids in college now. If I choose a silly (or somewhat silly) name, it's because I really like it. It's something I enjoy, and I like it. If it's a "serious" name, that's fine too. I think there are people who take games like this way too seriously. On the flip-side, there are people who give themselves names because they are trying to get a huge reaction because of the crudeness, and they don't care at all about what happens to them, even if it means they are kicked from the game. No matter what name I choose (even if it's just about over-the-top silly), I will play it as a character and not a "toon." A "toon" is someone who puts no real personality into the character. Even though I named my character "Mister Poopypants" I played him as a sarcastic character (because I knew I would be targeted and killed...a lot), and I said things about being scary and respected by a lot of people, and they must perceive me as a big threat. They actually did attack me and kill me all the time. I said it before, but I got my name from a line from "Naked Gun 2 1/2." The line was said with a bit of irony (and just some plain old sarcasm--there's a little difference), so I played the guy that way. I gave him some CHARACTER. That's the big difference. Toons have no dynamic to them. How much dynamic (or change) did Bugs Bunny have? None. He didn't change/develop at all over time. Those cartoons were really funny, don't get me wrong. But there was no character development. A lot of people who join an RPG, join it for the reason of playing an actual role. Isn't that the point to a "role playing game? They start their character, they develop that character. As they develop it, they give it a certain personality, and the character actually changes over time. That's the difference. I play a character. You play a toon that has no depth to it. You call yourself a toon. But I play a character, someone with depth and personality. My character could exist in whatever environment that it exists in. Your "toon" would exist in a cartoon TV show that my character would watch if he wanted a bit of a laugh. I hope I made enough sense that you understand me. I did my best to proofread. However, I am in the same boat as Dr EveHill. I raise my glass to you. Apparently I'm not the only one who drinks a bit of vodka every so often. :)
